Under a new Trump Administration plan, bidding for offshore oil and gas leases could begin as early as 2019 in almost all federal waters - opening up vast new areas of the Atlantic, including the off the coast of Georgia, Arctic and Pacific Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico to drilling. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is holding 23 hearings across the country, including one in Atlanta, to hear from the public on the plan.
BOEM writes "At the meetings, participants can ask questions, share information, talk with our team members one-on-one, and learn more about the National OCS Program. We also encourage participants to submit written comments to inform BOEM of specific issues, impacting factors, environmental resources, alternatives to the proposed action, and mitigation measures to consider in its analyses."
Oil and gas drilling is an inherently dirty and dangerous business. There is simply no safe way to drill. By allowing offshore drilling in more of our coastal waters, the Trump administration increases the chances of a dangerous oil spill. Opening these areas to drilling endangers sea life including whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, as well as the life and livelihoods of Georgians and all Americans in coastal communities.
Public opposition to the proposed plan could still make a difference. It did during the Obama administration.
Join us on February 28th at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel to tell the administration that offshore drilling is not welcome off our coast.
Offshore drilling is a nightmare for people and the planet. Let’s show Trump and his oil cronies what resistance looks like. Contact Jennette Gayer (Environment Georgia), jennette@environmentgeorgia.org for more details